Switch to iPhone... and away from Google!

Q: I changed from Android where Google apps were and now I'm using an iPhone 6 Plus. I liked Google+ but since the update it blows. So, my question is, please name apps that will replace Google for me on my iPhone 6 Plus. Sincerely, Kay

Some people want to switch to iPhone but only for the hardware, not the services. For them Google apps for iOS make it ridiculously easy to log in and keep right on going. Others, like Kay, want to switch to away from Google's services and apps as well. Luckily for them, Apple, Microsoft, and others offer alternatives.

If you want to switch completely away from Google Services, you'll need an account with a different provider. A free iCloud account comes with your new iPhone, so you can easily try that and see how you like it. Otherwise, a free Microsoft account gives you access to a wide range of services as well. None of them have the scope of Google, nor the online excellence, but if you don't want Google, they along with a few others like Dropbox, can absolutely get the job done.

On the other hand, Google hasn't been as great about updating and providing truly native fit and finish on iOS, so you can get a better, more integrated experience with Apple's built-in apps, and just as good as Google, if not better, with Microsoft and others.

Here's a quick reference for Google services and apps, and their alternatives.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
GoogleAppleMicrosoftOther
Google
Account
iCloud AccountOutlook AccountRow 0 - Cell 3
GmailMailOutlookSpark
Google
Calendar
CalendarSunrise*Fantastical
Google
Maps
MapsRow 3 - Cell 2 Here
ChromeSafariRow 4 - Cell 2 Opera
DriveiCloud DriveOneDriveDropbox
SheetsNumbersExcelRow 6 - Cell 3
DocsPagesWordRow 7 - Cell 3
SlidesKeynotePowerPointRow 8 - Cell 3
Google+Row 9 - Cell 1 Row 9 - Cell 2 Facebook
HangoutsMessages
FaceTime
SkypeRow 10 - Cell 3
Google
Photos
PhotosRow 11 - Cell 2 Flickr
Google
Now
Siri**CortanaRow 12 - Cell 3
Google
Wallet
WalletRow 13 - Cell 2 Row 13 - Cell 3
Google AuthenticatorRow 14 - Cell 1 Row 14 - Cell 2 Authy
Google KeepNotesOneNoteEvernote
Google
Search
Spotlight**BingRow 16 - Cell 3

*Sunrise is being discontinued and its features integrated into Outlook for iOS.

**Siri and Spotlight might source search results, in part, from Google.

Again, you can absolute switch to the iPhone and keep on using all the Google apps and services you're used to. The iPhone, it turns out, is a good Google phone as well. If you want something different, though, if you want an alternative, Apple, Microsoft, and others can provide it.

Apple even provides a Move to iOS app to get your started!

Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.